Iron Dynasty Chapter 1076

“Does Your Majesty intend for certain industries reliant on steam engines to be relocated overseas?” Yang Chengye’s mind illuminated with an idea, a sudden realization striking him.

Xiao Ming nodded with a smile. “Indeed, some of our Empire’s merchants have already begun transferring steam engine technology to the colonies. Consider the colonial mines; their efficiency is exceedingly low without the aid of steam engines.”

“That is most accurate. In contrast, electricity necessitates the construction of thermal power plants. A steam engine, however, requires only coal and water, making it remarkably convenient regardless of location,” Yang Chengye concurred.

Pang Yukun mused for a moment. “Factories primarily utilizing steam engines will gradually exit the Empire’s market. These idle machines represent a significant waste. Furthermore, when compared to the inexpensive labor available in the colonies, the wages for workers within the Empire are considerably higher, a factor that will eventually become unsustainable for factory owners. However, by relocating them to the colonies, these enterprises can continue to generate profits, effectively allowing the Empire to repurpose what would otherwise be discarded.”

“Precisely my intention. Our Empire’s merchants, regardless of their location, remain loyal to the Empire, and their output constitutes the Empire’s output. Rather than witnessing the complete abandonment of the steam engine industry and a colossal waste of resources, it is far more prudent to transfer it to various colonies to extract surplus value.”

“Your Majesty is truly wise!” the assembled officials exclaimed, their voices filled with admiration.

The Empire’s developmental trajectory over these past years had been nothing short of astonishing, progressing at a pace so rapid that its populace struggled to keep abreast of the relentless upgrades in factory machinery.

The advent of electricity had only intensified this dissimilarity. To persist with steam engines meant grappling with diminished efficiency and inflated labor costs. Conversely, embracing electricity would render the newly acquired steam engines obsolete and idle.

Following the Empire’s successful annexation of the Japanese and Southeast Asian colonies, astute merchants had already commenced preparations to shift their steam engine factories to these newly acquired territories. This strategic move would permit continued production within the colonies and generate the necessary capital for the procurement of electrical machinery.

However, the Empire had maintained stringent controls over its technological advancements. Beyond the mining sector, restrictions in other domains had always been exceptionally firm.

Consequently, merchants often voiced their grievances to officials during their interactions. Now that the Emperor had definitively established the direction, this particular issue was no longer a point of contention.

The reports concerning economic and technological matters thus concluded. Xiao Ming then proceeded to hear updates on the progress of political and military reforms.

As per the briefings from both the Cabinet and the General Staff, the restructuring of the various provincial administrations had been fully implemented, with officials in each department diligently attending to their respective responsibilities.

Moreover, the establishment of the military regions’ hierarchical structure, from the highest command down to the lowest echelons, was also largely complete.

With the successful culmination of these two monumental reforms, Xiao Ming felt a profound sense of relief. This signified that, across industry, governance, culture, and commerce, the Empire had officially transitioned into a modern nation.

He surmised that the meticulously crafted order he had painstakingly established would remain relevant for centuries to come, ensuring the Empire’s stable operation, especially given that these very systems were derived from modern era principles.

The year-end summary court session, which commenced in the morning, extended until midday. After hosting the ministers for a banquet within the palace, the proceedings reconvened in the afternoon, focusing this time on formulating the specific action plans for the ensuing year.

“If there are any further matters to address, present them. Otherwise, the court is dismissed!”

As evening descended, Qian Dafu’s resonant proclamation signaled the conclusion of the court session. The ministers offered their collective wishes of “Long live” before departing the main hall. The following day marked New Year’s Eve.

Rising from his dragon throne, Xiao Ming, accompanied by Qian Dafu, was the first to exit the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Once outside, Xiao Ming gazed at the large snowflakes drifting from the sky and remarked, “It appears the conflict in Southeast Asia is poised to extend into the next year.”

“That is highly probable. However, it is noteworthy that the Southeast Army has secured Jakarta. I remain uncertain whether Yue Yun’s fleet has yet gained full control over the maritime trade routes,” Qian Dafu stated, his role involving the reception of telegrams granting him intimate knowledge of the ongoing military campaigns.

Xiao Ming’s eyes narrowed. He harbored a distinct premonition that the war in Southeast Asia would prove far more challenging than those waged in Japan and Goryeo. After all, despite the Westerners’ comparatively antiquated weaponry, they fielded a truly modern military force.

Furthermore, the soldiers of that era, trained in disciplined volleys, represented the zenith of military discipline, compelled by the constant necessity of facing the enemy’s direct fire in every engagement.

In Jakarta, Lei Ming's offensive tragically ended with two thousand fatalities. In India, the toll of Western soldiers was even greater. A direct confrontation would undoubtedly result in substantial losses.

His most pressing need was petroleum. The conquest of India was not his immediate concern, leading him to strategize for its eventual attack.

With the imperial navy dominating the sea lanes, a siege of the allied forces in India presented a viable option.

Concurrently, Luo Xin's Southwest Army could advance from land, assaulting French Indochina and British-controlled Burma. This maneuver would effectively hem in India from the east, intensifying the predicament for the allied forces stationed there.

This strategic concept was soon validated on the tenth day of the New Year when a telegram arrived from the imperial navy.

"The naval engagement at the Ganges River's mouth saw the imperial navy vanquish ninety-six enemy vessels, though at the cost of over three thousand lives. This represents the most significant combat loss the imperial navy has sustained to date. According to Liu Chen, the allied forces have erected formidable defenses in Calcutta, India, rendering it a daunting challenge for the Southeast Army alone."

Within the confines of the Imperial Study, Cui Shang'an meticulously reviewed the battle dispatches from Southeast Asia.

"What is the current strength of the Southeast Army?" Emperor Xiao Ming inquired.

"Your Majesty, the Southeast Army comprises sixty-four thousand registered personnel. Fifty-seven thousand are designated combat troops, while the remaining seven thousand serve in logistics and support roles," Cui Shang'an reported.

Xiao Ming acknowledged this information with a nod. The army's modernization initiatives had bolstered its logistical self-sufficiency, with a significant proportion of soldiers dedicated to these crucial support functions.

"Liu Chen estimates that capturing Calcutta could result in twenty thousand casualties, effectively halving the Southeast Army's combat force?"

"That is a probable outcome. Furthermore, to maintain control over existing colonies, the Southeast Army has deployed garrisons, leaving only approximately forty thousand soldiers available for the offensive," Cui Shang'an clarified.

Xiao Ming's brow furrowed. "A sacrifice of twenty thousand soldiers for Calcutta is an unacceptable price. We shall opt for a strategy of attrition. The Empire possesses ample time; with each passing day, our military technology advances, and prolonged isolation from their homelands will inevitably erode the enemy's will to fight."

"I concur with Your Majesty's assessment. During this period, the Empire can consolidate its currently occupied territories. Simultaneously, the Southwest Army can advance southward, capturing key strongholds, thereby preventing the enemy from concentrating on both the front and rear," Cui Shang'an proposed.

Rising and approaching a map, Xiao Ming encircled India with a red marker. "So be it. Additionally, let us expand the Empire's army to a strength of six hundred thousand. I foresee numerous challenges ahead that will necessitate such a force."

Cui Shang'an paused briefly, then a gentle chuckle escaped him. "Your Majesty, such an expansion is feasible. However, what of the requisite military budget?"